The Artist Micro Credit Program is designed to assist Broward-based practicing, professional, and emerging artists, to advance their work and careers. A premise of the program is that “gaps” exist in traditional lending markets and that some creditworthy artists, and their artistic businesses, cannot qualify for financing. This program provides assistance to eligible individual artists and arts-related businesses, who cannot obtain funding from conventional sources.

Terms of Fund Use

The program’s funds can be used for arts-related projects, artistic and product development, and artists’ business development purposes. The project’s costs must be substantiated by the applicant’s Business Plan (see below). Examples of opportunities eligible for support include:

Funding for artistic labor, supplies, and other expenses to produce artistic products.

Purchasing equipment for an artist’s arts-related business; equipment purchases that will have significant impact on the artist’s career.

Production of CDs or manuscripts, creation of limited editions, or limited production runs of artistic products for re-sale. Costs associated with taking completed artistic products to marketplace, or retail placement.

Working capital used for current operating expenses and inventory.

Costs associated with copyrighting and legally protecting art works.

Specific certification, or creative skill-building, or artistic opportunities. (Costs supported by the applicant’s business plan)

Ineligible Use of FundsProjects whose use is incompatible with the Artist Micro Credit Program guidelines.

Broad CriteriaThe key elements considered by the program’s (loan) review panel:• Meets the eligibility requirements• Sound Business Plan• Ability to repay the loan

Contact Info

For more information about the Artist Micro Credit Program and the Artist as an Entrepreneurial Institute contact:James Shermer, Grants AdministratorBroward Cultural Division100 South Andrews Avenue, 6th FloorFort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1829954-357-7502 ● 954-357-5769 Faxjshermer@broward.org